Pneumatic Vacuum System for the Delivery of Odorant Emission from Scented Substrates

ABSTRACT

The controlled delivery of odorant emissions is the primary function of this invention. Containment of the odorant emission is achieved by storing the scented material in a low vacuum chamber sealed by pair of solenoid valves at its openings. The opposite end of each solenoid valve is connected either to the ingress or egress manifold. A vacuum pump induces airflow through a chamber when the corresponding solenoids valves are opened, thereby delivering the scent into the atmosphere. 
     An embedded micro-controller has direct control of the electromechanical devices (solenoid valves and vacuum relay). External hardware may signal the micro-controller. Additionally, application software such as those found in computer gaming, computer simulated training, interactive programs, and broadband technologies can source software enabling communication with the micro-controller over a USB port. As such, an olfactory feedback system can be realized.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to scent dispersal devices and more particularly pertains to a new scent dispersal device for the controlled dispersion of odorant.

BACKGROUND

The five basic human senses are visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory. Of these, stimulation of the former three senses has been paramount in many very successful entertainment and simulator systems. Olfactory stimulation however, has not received as much attention; but the evolution of computer gaming, computer simulated training, interactive programming, broadband technologies, and plastic encapsulated technologies have created an infrastructure wherein olfactory feedback systems are economically and technically feasible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Controlled dispersion of odorants is the primary function of this invention. Containment is achieved by storing the scented material in a low vacuum chamber sealed by pair of solenoid valves at its openings. The opposite end of each solenoid valve is connected either to the ingress or egress manifold. A vacuum pump induces airflow through a chamber when the corresponding solenoids valves are opened, thereby releasing the scent into the atmosphere.

An embedded micro-controller has direct control of the electromechanical devices (solenoid valves and vacuum relay). External hardware may signal the micro-controller. Additionally, application software such as those found in computer gaming, computer simulated training, interactive programs, and broadband technologies can source software enabling communication with the micro-controller over a USB port. As such, an olfactory feedback system can be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Pneumatic Vacuum System schematic drawing of four-chamber configuration.

FIG. 2 Block diagram of multiple-chamber configuration.

FIG. 3 Cross-sectional view of chamber unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1, callout [001]. Low voltage power supply or rechargeable batteries.

FIG. 1, callout [002]. The micro-controller receives an external local hardware signal and/or remote USB packet(s) over the external device interface (I/F). The micro-controller processes the incoming data to determine which, if any, subroutine program to run. The subroutine may contain software code for a series of simple or complex operations to turn ON/OFF the vacuum pump, and energize/de-energize one or more solenoid valve(s) for a period lasting the parameterized interval(s).

FIG. 1, callouts [002], [003] and [004]. Subroutine energizes the N.O. relay thus closing the electrical circuit between the vacuum motor and the low voltage power supply. The vacuum pump is switched ON.

FIG. 1, callout [002] and [005]. Subroutine energizes one or more solenoid(s). Note: A single solenoid actuates two valves—the ingress and the egress; energizing the solenoid opens the set, and de-energizing the solenoid closes the set.

FIG. 1, callouts [006] and [007]. As a result of the previous action, the vacuum induced by the compressor/vacuum draws unscented air into the ingress manifold.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, callouts [005], [007], and [008]. Unscented air drawn through the ingress manifold and the ingress valve(s) enter the chamber(s).

FIG. 3, callout [007], [012] and [013]. Unscented air drawn through the chamber duct(s) pass over the plastic encapsulated essence(s). An exchange of scent molecules occurs with the unscented air. The unscented air now becomes scented. Note: Variables such as concentration (ppm), surface area, transfer rate, airflow (LPM), and types of stimuli stored at [013] affects the intensity, duration, delay, and variety of stimuli experienced by the user downstream of [007].

FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, callouts [005] and [011]. Scented air drawn through the egress valve(s) and the egress manifold. Note: If more than one solenoid was energized approximately at the same time, then the scented air from those pathways will combine in the egress manifold. The vacuum pump will however; prevent the scent of one chamber from contaminating the scent of another.

FIG. 1, callout [004]. Scented air drawn through the vacuum pump and pushed out into the atmosphere and toward the user.

FIG. 1, callout [002] and [005]. Subroutine may energizes/de-energizes various combination of solenoid(s). The interval and duration of these operations are parameterized and independent.

FIG. 1, callout [002] and [005]. Subroutine de-energizes all solenoids. Note: Closing the ingress and egress valves set seals the chamber thus inhibiting any further flow of scents molecules into the atmosphere.

FIG. 1, callout [002], [003] and [004]. Subroutine de-energizes the N.O. relay thus opening the electrical circuit between the vacuum motor and the low voltage power supply. The vacuum pump is switched OFF.

FIG. 1, callout [002]. Micro-controller terminates subroutine and waits for next hardware or software command. 

1. A system for the controlled dispersion of odorant.
 2. A system for olfactory feedback as applied to computer gaming, computer simulated training, interactive programs, broadband technologies, and/or plastic encapsulated essence.
 3. An apparatus and method for the improved exchange of scent molecules from plastic encapsulated essence.
 4. The method according to claim 3, plastic encapsulated essence.
 5. The method according to claim 3, chamber.
 6. The method according to claim 3, dual solenoid valve.
 7. The method according to claim 3, ingress manifold.
 8. The method according to claim 3, egress manifold.
 9. The method according to claim 3, compressor/vacuum pump. 